Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine in 30 Minutes

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table. Within just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can serve up a creamy, flavorful dish that dazzles the taste buds. Imagine tender chicken tossed with linguine in a delightful sauce filled with garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon zest. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu family gatherings, this dish captures the essence of comfort food with a hearty twist. Trust me when I say, this recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

So, what makes this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine stand out? For starters, it’s an incredibly quick and easy meal, making it ideal for weeknight dinners after a long day. The buttery garlic sauce is rich and decadent, with just enough zing from the lemon juice and zest, making it a feast for the senses. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, utilizing basic ingredients while remaining impressively satisfying. The combination of chicken and linguine dressed in a creamy sauce makes it surprisingly filling—perfect for even the pickiest eaters.

“This Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is an absolute game changer! I whipped it up in no time, and my family couldn’t stop raving about the flavors. Definitely a keeper!” – A Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Overview of Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Cooking this dish is straightforward, which is fantastic if you’re looking for a hassle-free meal. First, you’ll boil the linguine to al dente perfection. While the pasta cooks, you’ll prepare the chicken in a single skillet—no need for multiple pots and pans. Then comes the delicious Cowboy Butter sauce, where garlic and spices come together to create a flavor explosion. Finally, everything is combined and tossed, resulting in a creamy, savory dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly effortless to make.

Gather Your Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 ounces linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even a plant-based alternative to suit your dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.

   

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2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add Flavor Components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.

5. Creamy Sauce Formation: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.

6. Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese, tossing everything together to ensure even coating. Adjust sauce consistency with additional reserved pasta water as needed.

7. Final Touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with the remaining parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Best Way to Serve

Tips for Serving Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

For an impressive presentation, serve this dish in a large bowl, garnished with more parsley and fresh lemon wedges. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, offering a balance to the richness of the pasta. Consider serving crusty bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce.

Keeping Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Fresh Longer

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Pro Chef Tips

Expert Advice for Perfecting This Dish

• For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken with spices and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer taste.
• If you prefer a bit of heat, don’t shy away from the red pepper flakes in the sauce. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

Different Ways to Make It

Creative Twists on the Original

You can easily customize this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. Swap the linguine for whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. You might also experiment with adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Herbs like thyme or basil can give it a delightful twist, too.

Your Questions Answered

FAQ

1. How long does this cowboy butter chicken linguine take to prepare?

   • This dish can be made in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

   • Absolutely! While linguine is delightful, any pasta shape will work, including penne or fettuccine.

3. Is it safe to reheat leftovers?

   • Yes, when stored properly, leftovers can be safely reheated. Just add a touch of liquid to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, delicious meal, you’ll know just where to look! Happy cooking!

Irresistibly Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Optional Vegetarian (substitute chicken)

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Description

A creamy, flavorful Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that dazzles the taste buds and is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 ounces linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan while gently simmering.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and half of the chopped parsley. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
6. Return the chicken to the pan. Add the cooked linguine and parmesan cheese, tossing everything together to ensure even coating. Adjust sauce consistency with additional reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with the remaining parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken with spices and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, linguine, easy recipe, comfort food, quick meal